Learn Your Political Jargon

• Author: BGrady
• Filed under: Political, The Interwebs
• Date: Jan 14,2008

I have spent a lot of time over the last couple of weeks following a large number of political blogs in regards to the upcoming elections and I must say that I am completely dumbfounded at the lack of knowledge for such simple words, especially amongst people who are using these words everyday. If you are going to take the time to write passionately about it at least know the jargon and how to use it correctly.

Here are 10 common political words that I have found on various political blogs over the last few weeks that were not used in the correct sense. I have listed the word, the definition, correct usage, examples of how I found it being used wrong and my commentaries. Some of the examples of how people used certain words are absolutely mind numbingly hilarious.

Everything is cut and paste from their respected sources. The only thing that I wrote is a short commentary at the bottom of each word.

Word
1. Dictionary, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia referenced meanings.
2. Example of how it should be used.
3. Incorrect uses found on the internet.
4. My commentary.

Pundit
1. a learned person, expert, or authority.
2. Political pundit John Doe blogs about how important the New Hampshire Caucus is.
3. “Only pundit campaign finances can be attributed to the bottom line of a Candidates presidential campaign.”
4. Huh, WTF, LOL, Your Kidding?, UmOkWhatever

Caucus
1. a meeting of party leaders to select candidates, elect convention delegates, etc.
2. The Iowa Caucus results were very dissapointing to Ron Paul supporters.
3. “The candidates that are running for caucus are not being allowed a speaking platform.”
4. So, is that like something to stand on or is it something to talk about? LOL

Red State
1. In the context of the red state vs. blue state divide in the United States, a state with a tendency toward electing Republicans.
2. The Republicans have a better chance in a red state versus a blue state.
3. “It will turn the red states into blue states if the campaign officials can not raise enough money.”
4. Turn them blue huh? I thought that was from….. well nevermind.

Blue State
1. In the context of the red state vs. blue state divide in the United States, a state with a tendency toward electing Democrats.
2. The Democrats have a better chance in a blue state versus a red state.
3. “Blue States mean the states where the vote is not critical.”
4. That is funnier in more ways than one.

Margin of Error
1. In statistics, a measurement of the accuracy of the results of a survey.
2. The margin of error in the national polls is very insignificant.
3. “Hillary’s margin of error in the second Caucus was due to the fact that her daughter and mother were with her.”
4. That just sounds so dirty.

Party Line(s)
1. an informal term for the agenda of a political party.
2. The party lines for economic funding overseas is very straight forward.
3. “Supporters for the candidate were standing on the party lines for a closer look at their favorite candidate.”
4. Was that a chalk line drawn on the ground or did they use yellow C.S.I. tape?

Recession
1. a recession is a decline in any country’s gross domestic product (GDP), or negative real economic growth, for two or more successive quarters of a year.
2. Economic analysist are worried about a recession.
3. “Both parties are probably in recession right now as I have not heard anything from either party.”
4. Yeah, it is probably after lunch time and just before nap time.

The Primaries / Primary
1. A political primary is a preliminary election in which the registered voters of a political party nominate candidates for office.
2. Without the primaries we would not have any candidates to run for office.
3. “The primaries are not held until November 2008″
4. ROFLMAO

G.O.P.
1. Grand Old Party (an epithet of the Republican party since 1880)
2. The G.O.P. has a really solid political platform.
3. “My husband said it is a political term for when a candidate blows a question in a debate.”
4. LOL This just kills me. They should offer a test before people are eligible to get married.

Candidate
1. a person who is selected by others as a contestant for an office, honor, etc.
2. Do the Democrats ever consider in depth who they are placing as candidate for the presidency?
3. “I would cast my candidate for president to the person who….”
4. Candidate is not an action. In fact, it is the “person” you are referring to. LOL

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If you find anymore of these “gems” out there we would love to hear them.